Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)

To make the circular economy for PET and polyester a reality by 2040, bold action from policymakers and businesses is essential. A new study highlights how well-designed EPR laws, product design for recyclability, and investment in innovative recycling technologies can drastically reduce emissions and create economic opportunities. Read the full article for the roadmap and action steps. https://ow.ly/1k8j50UoN27

Is your company investing in sustainable package innovation? Get the credit you deserve, and let the world know, with APR Design® Recognition! https://ow.ly/xByT50UoMJq

Building a sustainable future with plastics requires collaboration and innovation. SC Johnson, an APR member, shares insights into the challenges of scaling recycling solutions and increasing the use of recycled plastic. The path forward? Creating a regulatory framework that fosters a level playing field and drives progress. Fisk Johnson highlights how manufacturers, policymakers, and other stakeholders can work together to prioritize recycling. Learn more: https://ow.ly/RFaN50Uo3tN

2024 has been a landmark year for recycling policy, with sweeping legislative actions and international discussions pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. ♻️ Yet, with progress comes complexity. APR’s upcoming webinar, “Spotlight on Recycling in Policy,” dives into these developments, offering clarity on state, federal, and global initiatives—key for anyone navigating the plastic recycling space. Join APR’s Chief Policy Officer, Kate Bailey, and Marissa Heffernan, Associate Editor of Resource Recycling, Inc., as they decode these shifts and preview what 2025 holds. Register today: https://ow.ly/Bufl50UnILj

For the first nine months of 2024, U.S. scrap plastic exports held steady at 705 million pounds—a notable shift after years of steep declines. Since the global market shakeup of 2018, export volumes have been in flux, but this data suggests a potential turning point. Read more here: https://ow.ly/Safy50UlorS

At our Two-Day APR Design® Training & Tours Program in Arlington, Texas, nearly 50 attendees from across the recycling value chain got an up-close look at the challenges and opportunities—from tackling contamination at WM’s MRF to seeing how PET bales are transformed at Indorama Ventures’s facility. It was two days of connection, learning, and seeing recycling in action. Want to join next year’s program? Check out the highlights from this year and email Training@plasticsrecycling.org to stay updated on future opportunities: https://ow.ly/cAmc50Ul8mn

In case you missed it: ADS’s new Ohio facility will focus on research and innovative uses for recycled resin in industrial products. The facility, developed after two years of planning, will help ADS reach its goal of using 1 billion pounds of recycled resin annually by 2030. Read the full article below: https://ow.ly/wRwA50UjFX8

Building trust starts with proof—and APR’s PCR Certification delivers. ✅ In a world where consumers and legislators demand accountability, this third-party certification ensures your PCR claims are credible. Cited in California law and chosen by 35+ leading recyclers across North America, it’s a program that doesn’t just meet requirements; it builds reputations. Explore the improved program and find out how to get involved: https://ow.ly/otAb50Uj29A #CircularEconomy #PlasticRecycling #PCRCertification

Recycling in the U.S.: Key Stats from WM’s Latest Report 🔹 64% of Americans say more recycling knowledge would boost participation. 🔹 75% prefer brands using recycled materials but find clarity lacking. 🔹 45% cite confusion about local recycling rules as a top barrier. Education, infrastructure, and strong end markets are key to progress.📘 Tools like APR’s Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability empower businesses to lead in recyclability and consumer trust. Read the full article for all the insights: https://ow.ly/m0F350Uftj5

"Systemic changes are essential to align the economics of recycling with sustainability goals. This includes implementing public policies that incentivize the use of recycled materials and reduce reliance on virgin plastics." – Steve Alexander, APR CEO. Steve Alexander, APR CEO, underscores a critical challenge in plastics recycling: many brands are unwilling to pay a fair price for recycled plastics. With recycling facilities underutilized and ambitious sustainability targets on the line, the need for change is urgent. Read more: https://ow.ly/onC750Ufsrx